Portret van Karel III, koning van Spanje 1750 - 1808

Joaquín Ballester Ballester created this print of Charles III, King of Spain, sometime between 1740 and 1808. The print is an example of how portraiture was used to construct and disseminate images of power. Consider how Charles III is presented. The armor denotes military strength, but the robe suggests royal dignity. His gaze and posture invite respect, designed to inspire awe and obedience. Yet, his slightly raised eyebrow hints at the burdens of leadership, subtly humanizing him. But what of those who were excluded from such portrayals? How were the experiences of women, people of color, and the working class represented, if at all? This image, like many historical portraits, serves as a reminder of whose stories were considered worthy of preservation and whose were not. This portrait invites us to reflect on the complexities of power, representation, and the stories we tell about ourselves and others.